Poll: 25% of adults would pick a great body over winning the lottery
A survey of 1,000 adults sponsored by Nutrisystem found that about one-fourth would rather have a great body than win $1 million in the lottery, while about half said they wanted to be at their ideal weight rather than be five years younger. New York City registered dietitian Bonnie Taub-Dix says it's all about eating and that people want a great body "without realizing that the power is in their hands -- the hands that lift their forks." USA TODAY
Just thought this was funny and had to laugh and share...Really winning the lottery could buy me any body I want....And I know what mine looks like... :-)
5 Republican senators vote against Medicare overhaul
U.S. Senate Democrats brought a bill to the floor that essentially forced Republicans to decide on the GOP's plan to substantially privatize Medicare. Five of 47 Republicans voted against the measure. The bill was defeated 57-40. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (5/25), Politico (Washington, D.C.) (5/25)
Okay, may be a rant coming on..
Privatize Medicaid, make the people that pop out children left and right, or abuse the system with disabilities, drug dependencies, coming for other countries (Really how do these people qualify before the folks born here??), etc.
People with Medicare HAVE EARNED it contributing to their country and paying taxes after working for decades...REVAMP MEDICAID---NOT MEDICARE
Friday, May 27, 2011
Did You Ever Feel?
That:
The day is past dawning for changes in the profession.
We need controlled workplaces and improved benefits.
We need to have a voice in all decisions that affect our practice.
We need nurses to get together to make changes in the practice that provide autonomy, security, and workplace decisions should be heavily decided on by the bedside nurse.
We deserve a profession that not only prides itself on patient advocacy (integral to any decision to be a nurse, by anybody) but serves to provide nurse advocacy.
True Nursing Advocacy is seldom present in the decisions currently made: i.e. that JCAHO or other mandates are not just there to make administrators act like chickens with their heads cut off or to add to our workload but often their actually are some reasons for it. Like if you are a Medicaid/Medicare facility, they demand JCAHO certification for payments.
It would be nice to be provided reasons for changes as well as a voice in how they are made, NOT just being told to do something else yet again.
Nursing is a great profession and could be even greater with the VOICES of Nurses helping to make practice changes.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
What I Want for Nurses and Nursing
What I want for Nursing...
This is the time for nurses to coordinate and make the changes that are needed to protect our profession.
The present and future nursing shortage can make our lives a lot harder than it needs to be.
We can make the difference in how the future unrolls and how our workplace issues worsen or improve.
It does not have to be a union. It does not have to be anarchy. It just has to be enough nurses with enough voices to make the difference.
I want so much more for nurses.
I am not looking for Disney World (The happiest place on earth), but I am looking for places that nurses can go into work glad to be there and not wondering (or expecting) if they are going to need KY for the shift.
I want insurance benefits that are better for nurses, cheaper and easier access to health care. it should be a perk.
I want retirement similar to police workers and firefighters or the government controlled retirement for railroad workers.
I want staffing ratios that take safe practice for patient acuities in to consideration and I want those decisions followed and respected.
I WANT SO MUCH MORE AND I WANT OTHER NURSES VOICES TO JOIN ME WHO FEEL THE SAME!!!!!
I have about one thousand other ideas and I want them in effect.
The present and future nursing shortage can make our lives a lot harder than it needs to be.
We can make the difference in how the future unrolls and how our workplace issues worsen or improve.
It does not have to be a union. It does not have to be anarchy. It just has to be enough nurses with enough voices to make the difference.
I want so much more for nurses.
I am not looking for Disney World (The happiest place on earth), but I am looking for places that nurses can go into work glad to be there and not wondering (or expecting) if they are going to need KY for the shift.
I want insurance benefits that are better for nurses, cheaper and easier access to health care. it should be a perk.
I want retirement similar to police workers and firefighters or the government controlled retirement for railroad workers.
I want staffing ratios that take safe practice for patient acuities in to consideration and I want those decisions followed and respected.
I WANT SO MUCH MORE AND I WANT OTHER NURSES VOICES TO JOIN ME WHO FEEL THE SAME!!!!!
I have about one thousand other ideas and I want them in effect.
From the ANA Smartbrief
Emergency nurses address workplace violencePreliminary data from a study by the Emergency Nurses Association suggest that many emergency department nurses suffer workplace violence but hospitals are unlikely to take action, either by responding to the nurse or against the perpetrator. AnnMarie Papa, the association's president, said institutions should encourage reporting of and responses to workplace violence and urge senior administration to show support for nurse victims. HealthLeaders Media (5/24)
Just another case of a lack of administrative support. This also includes the prosecutors and police who act like it is just to be expected for nurses to be assaulted, bit, hit, etc. This often comes not only from patients (demented or drug intoxicated, or just nasty), but also from family members. This does not even include the verbal and mental abuse we recieve.
We have had cases where a nurse was physicaly attacked by a family member, and the hospital did not want to pursue it an dmore than the prosecutor...GUESS What, this is another form of abuse...
We need support from our so-called leaders and from the legal system...What is the point of posting BIG signs, that say it is a felony to verbally or physically abuse healthcare workers if you are not going to back it up? Really?
Just another case of a lack of administrative support. This also includes the prosecutors and police who act like it is just to be expected for nurses to be assaulted, bit, hit, etc. This often comes not only from patients (demented or drug intoxicated, or just nasty), but also from family members. This does not even include the verbal and mental abuse we recieve.
We have had cases where a nurse was physicaly attacked by a family member, and the hospital did not want to pursue it an dmore than the prosecutor...GUESS What, this is another form of abuse...
We need support from our so-called leaders and from the legal system...What is the point of posting BIG signs, that say it is a felony to verbally or physically abuse healthcare workers if you are not going to back it up? Really?
Thursday, May 19, 2011
From the ANA SmartBrief-Couple of good articles...
Hospitals focus on nurse-doctor teamwork to reduce errors
Hospitals are implementing a handful of initiatives to reduce medical errors and avoid missed or delayed diagnosis. Abington Memorial Hospital in Philadelphia is ensuring that both a nurse and a doctor will see patients jointly, while Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston has implemented a "trigger system" that checks five vital signs during triage. Sixteen hospitals participating in a project by Crico/RMF Strategies will organize emergency departments into different areas, among other strategies, to boost nurse-doctor communication. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (5/10)
Workplace bullying hurts morale -- and patientsThough most doctors act with respect for other hospital staff, bullying is not unheard of, and it can be passed down to the rest of the organization, oncology nurse Theresa Brown writes. Being insulted by a fellow provider reinforces a false stereotype of nurses and creates a negative workplace environment that in turn affects patient care, she writes. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)
Two different articles relating to various problems that can only be repaired through nursing autonomy, respect, and collaborative practice. Workplace bullying is Ludicrous in 2011.
We are professionals and the teamwork we have given freely for decades, is only now truly recognized by the majority as a significant contributor to the care that patient's receive.
Nurse-Doctor Teamwork is the past, present and future.
Hospitals are implementing a handful of initiatives to reduce medical errors and avoid missed or delayed diagnosis. Abington Memorial Hospital in Philadelphia is ensuring that both a nurse and a doctor will see patients jointly, while Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston has implemented a "trigger system" that checks five vital signs during triage. Sixteen hospitals participating in a project by Crico/RMF Strategies will organize emergency departments into different areas, among other strategies, to boost nurse-doctor communication. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (5/10)
Workplace bullying hurts morale -- and patientsThough most doctors act with respect for other hospital staff, bullying is not unheard of, and it can be passed down to the rest of the organization, oncology nurse Theresa Brown writes. Being insulted by a fellow provider reinforces a false stereotype of nurses and creates a negative workplace environment that in turn affects patient care, she writes. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)
Two different articles relating to various problems that can only be repaired through nursing autonomy, respect, and collaborative practice. Workplace bullying is Ludicrous in 2011.
We are professionals and the teamwork we have given freely for decades, is only now truly recognized by the majority as a significant contributor to the care that patient's receive.
Nurse-Doctor Teamwork is the past, present and future.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Did U Ever Feel?
That if people commit crimes they lose rights, except for the most basic?
Or Maybe, you are one of the people who really feel that criminals with life sentences deserve the ultimate in healthcare, i.e. transplants, open-heart surgery, or even dialysis? Really, are they not supposed to die in prison by natural causes? And lets limit the technology that we expend on people who deserve the most basic of care--NOT long term life saving measures.
People who have committed heinous crimes should receive the most basic healthcare and not have OUR Taxes pay to keep them alive with costly and never-ending procedures and surgeries.
This is especially for the self-inflicted injuries and illnesses.
Everyday hundreds of thousands are spent on healthcare for criminals incarcerated for long-term periods or life. Many of these inmates self-inflict injuries or swallow items, in addition to having MRSA, Hepatitis, HIV, and Renal failure and various cardiac and respiratory ailments.
Doctors will come in to see these criminals because OUR Taxes ensure rapid payment, when they WILL NOT come in to see the patients who actually work hard to pay for their insurance.
LUDICROUS!!!!
Maybe all of the healthcare changes should include revamping this area of the government's waste of our taxes. While we actually try to provide healthcare for those that contribute to society.
Or Maybe, you are one of the people who really feel that criminals with life sentences deserve the ultimate in healthcare, i.e. transplants, open-heart surgery, or even dialysis? Really, are they not supposed to die in prison by natural causes? And lets limit the technology that we expend on people who deserve the most basic of care--NOT long term life saving measures.
People who have committed heinous crimes should receive the most basic healthcare and not have OUR Taxes pay to keep them alive with costly and never-ending procedures and surgeries.
This is especially for the self-inflicted injuries and illnesses.
Everyday hundreds of thousands are spent on healthcare for criminals incarcerated for long-term periods or life. Many of these inmates self-inflict injuries or swallow items, in addition to having MRSA, Hepatitis, HIV, and Renal failure and various cardiac and respiratory ailments.
Doctors will come in to see these criminals because OUR Taxes ensure rapid payment, when they WILL NOT come in to see the patients who actually work hard to pay for their insurance.
LUDICROUS!!!!
Maybe all of the healthcare changes should include revamping this area of the government's waste of our taxes. While we actually try to provide healthcare for those that contribute to society.
Monday, May 16, 2011
An Article from the Nursing Center--Palliative Care
| Both of these articles demonstrate the dire need for better education among patients and families regarding better end-of-life or end-stage disease care. At any stage Comfort measures should be a primary consideration for patients with chronic, severe and multiple system illnesses. That is what Palliative care is. Hospice is not just for Cancer anymore and has been available for other serious disease processes for years. But few people even know what palliative care is and they only think of Hospice with cancer. It is NECESSARY to educate AMERICA about the truth. There are also many alternative measures that can provide comfort care and integrative health therapies that can aid the palliative and hospice providers with new measures to improve the end-of-life experience. Palliative Care Nursing: Defining the Discipline? | ||
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| Will Patients Want Hospice or Palliative Care if They Do Not Know What It Is? | ||
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Did U Ever Feel?
That JCAHO Preparation is Again LUDICROUS?
I hate the repeated (in many various facilities) running around (by the ever supportive administration) like chickens with their heads cut off anytime an inspection is advertised.
Any facility should simply live it day-to-day. Not just when they might show up.
The FACT is that any facility that relies on Medicare/Medicaid funding has to live up to Joint Commission standards..They are a necessary evil for those that support these measures. A business not a government entity though I think many really believe they are .gov. They are .org. That only means they are an organization NOT part of the government. Although,
Medicare and Medicaid have made JACHO certification a standard for their payments.
So that's why you have to run around and act like its all perfect...Is there really ever a perfect world???
And really JACHO, why prepare facilities for SURPRISE visits? Really? Just come on in and see how day-to-day life really is...No heads-up or warnings...
AND POINT 2---IF YOU ARE FOLLOWING UNIVERSAL STANDARDS AND WEARING GLOVES WHY DO ARTIFICIAL NAILS EVEN MATTER???..Really, your hands are gloved, You and the Patient are protected, the nails should not be an issue...
Sometimes, even JCAHO needs a CLUE? or just buy the Game...
I hate the repeated (in many various facilities) running around (by the ever supportive administration) like chickens with their heads cut off anytime an inspection is advertised.
Any facility should simply live it day-to-day. Not just when they might show up.
The FACT is that any facility that relies on Medicare/Medicaid funding has to live up to Joint Commission standards..They are a necessary evil for those that support these measures. A business not a government entity though I think many really believe they are .gov. They are .org. That only means they are an organization NOT part of the government. Although,
Medicare and Medicaid have made JACHO certification a standard for their payments.
So that's why you have to run around and act like its all perfect...Is there really ever a perfect world???
And really JACHO, why prepare facilities for SURPRISE visits? Really? Just come on in and see how day-to-day life really is...No heads-up or warnings...
AND POINT 2---IF YOU ARE FOLLOWING UNIVERSAL STANDARDS AND WEARING GLOVES WHY DO ARTIFICIAL NAILS EVEN MATTER???..Really, your hands are gloved, You and the Patient are protected, the nails should not be an issue...
Sometimes, even JCAHO needs a CLUE? or just buy the Game...
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Nurses Need to Take Care of Nurses--HAPPY LAST DAY OF NURSES WEEK
Celebrate Nursing and all that it can be....
Whether through the never-ending and intrinsic provision of care and comfort to patients or saving lives while shouldering the responsibilities to doctors, administrators and the forever redundant paperwork in the age of computers. Patient advocacy is the ultimate in basic nursing. Now we NEED someone, somewhere, In every facility and at every level to ADVOCATE for NURSES.
No more bottom lines...patient safety relies on the safety of nurse staffing, on proper and reliable nursing resources and equipment and the support from the other professionals involved in the circle of care for patients.
Patient satisfaction is entwined in nursing satisfaction. They are better cared for and suffer less serious consequences when staffing and satisfaction are important to facilities.
Lets put the responsibility where it is due...Hospitals and any patient care providers need to have more than competent nursing staff, in addition to, the proper staffing ratios to the levels of patient acuity and to be prepared for critical events and situations. These facilities should always keep in mind the fact that most patients are in the hospital for a reason and that deterioration is a constant possibility. Cutting corners to meet the bottom line should not be the rule of thumb. When is death an acceptable risk in facilities claiming to provide excellent care?
The other avenue for nurses is to be politically active and aware..This is another form of power to make changes in your profession before those that have little real understanding (i.e., politicians, doctors, administrators {when did they last serve at the bedside?}) of our profession. Get Involved to make changes...
Celebrate Nursing by protecting your Profession...You are a Professional and deserve the title, Now be a part of keeping it safe for all nurses...
ADVOCATION for NURSES...
Whether through the never-ending and intrinsic provision of care and comfort to patients or saving lives while shouldering the responsibilities to doctors, administrators and the forever redundant paperwork in the age of computers. Patient advocacy is the ultimate in basic nursing. Now we NEED someone, somewhere, In every facility and at every level to ADVOCATE for NURSES.
No more bottom lines...patient safety relies on the safety of nurse staffing, on proper and reliable nursing resources and equipment and the support from the other professionals involved in the circle of care for patients.
Patient satisfaction is entwined in nursing satisfaction. They are better cared for and suffer less serious consequences when staffing and satisfaction are important to facilities.
Lets put the responsibility where it is due...Hospitals and any patient care providers need to have more than competent nursing staff, in addition to, the proper staffing ratios to the levels of patient acuity and to be prepared for critical events and situations. These facilities should always keep in mind the fact that most patients are in the hospital for a reason and that deterioration is a constant possibility. Cutting corners to meet the bottom line should not be the rule of thumb. When is death an acceptable risk in facilities claiming to provide excellent care?
The other avenue for nurses is to be politically active and aware..This is another form of power to make changes in your profession before those that have little real understanding (i.e., politicians, doctors, administrators {when did they last serve at the bedside?}) of our profession. Get Involved to make changes...
Celebrate Nursing by protecting your Profession...You are a Professional and deserve the title, Now be a part of keeping it safe for all nurses...
ADVOCATION for NURSES...
Reposting the Passion--What is Your Passion?
Nursing is many things to many people. It is often a profession, a career, a calling and to some, just a job. To love this job is to learn early on that when the rewards do not outweigh the negatives it may be time to re-evaluate. In the current nursing shortage/crisis, whatever some may call it, many are re-evaluating what this profession means to them. Every day they drive to work, often wondering, what the day may bring. Each day is often very different and every day the Passion for Nursing is needed.
Will you have those few patients that make it all worthwhile, the 2-year-old that, once her fever has broken, follows you around holding your hand? She lets you know with her innocent trust, that you helped her feel better and that she has just made your shift a brighter piece of time, this is the one, that while you may not really have the time to play, you decide it’s a good time to make time. Is it the joy and laughter making someone feel better brings?
Is it the older woman with multiple organ disease and a loving family, who just wants her to be able to go gently into the night? Her family understands her desires and needs for a peaceful end; so, you soothe her with cool cloths and keep her as comfortable as possible, leaving the family the chance to share her final moments in time. While this may not be a physically busy patient, the emotional investments it generates, play a different havoc with your coping mechanisms on a busy shift. Is it the calm acceptance of helping someone go gently into the night?
On the other hand, will it be that man, that, though seemingly sailing along on the road to recovery, the inexplicable occurrence happens. You find yourself and many others on the medical team, fighting to save this man from the circling four horsemen, whose dogs are nipping at his heels. When you pull him back from the breach, will you have the staff to cover his increased level of need? Is is the power of saving lives and finding that last element that brings a patient back from certain death?
Nursing can be so many things to so many people...These are a few things I am passionate about..What are your passions for Nursing???
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
From the ANA SmartBrief
Hospitals, insurers, educators get Nurses Week rolling
Hospitals kicked off National Nurses Week with poster contests, gifts, recreational packages and a Walk with a Nurse program. UnitedHealth Group in Minneapolis, Minn., is recognizing nurses on its intranet and offering professional developmental programs, while nursing educators started the celebration with a symposium, special courses and a night at a ballgame. NurseZone.com (5/6)
Well at least some facility considers recognizing their Nurses...Get a clue locals...
Nurses Week is for Nurses..Not to be confused with National Hospital Week...Again consider
WHO is at the bedside 24/7 providing comfort and care, saving lives and making a difference every day all year long????
Hospitals kicked off National Nurses Week with poster contests, gifts, recreational packages and a Walk with a Nurse program. UnitedHealth Group in Minneapolis, Minn., is recognizing nurses on its intranet and offering professional developmental programs, while nursing educators started the celebration with a symposium, special courses and a night at a ballgame. NurseZone.com (5/6)
Well at least some facility considers recognizing their Nurses...Get a clue locals...
Nurses Week is for Nurses..Not to be confused with National Hospital Week...Again consider
WHO is at the bedside 24/7 providing comfort and care, saving lives and making a difference every day all year long????
Did U Ever Feel?
That Nurses week is for nurses. An annual celebration for nurses, celebrated from May 6, also known as National Nurses Day, through May 12, Florence Nightengale's Birthday.
Now some facilities ignore this week every year, even though their largest population of employees are nurses. Here's to another Great Big....How do you spell Ludicrous???
Nurses Week is for nurses to celebrate being nurses and revel in all that they manage to do every year..All year long..Saving Lives and making a difference every day..Making decisions that not only saves lives but extends the meaning of life for many others.
Sometimes it is just providing comfort measures in the worst of times for those patients that are nearing the end...
Sometimes it is just making that child with a fever feel a little better by providing the right medicine...and then getting the opportunity to hold and cuddle the fussy child for the mom or dad who is just worn out.
Other times it is wrestling with the four horsemen to save the life of that patient who is lying there listening to the not-so-subtle tunes of the Auto-Pulse...It is always a challenge to see who wins...Again a time to consider quality of life issues, but fighting the good fight goes on..
Nursing can mean so many things, and WE Deserve the recognition this WEEK provides...
We Deserve OUR OWN WEEK....
Happy Nurses Week All..
Thank you Florida Times Union, for noticing, even on the next to last day...Here's Wishing more patient care providers do the same....
Now some facilities ignore this week every year, even though their largest population of employees are nurses. Here's to another Great Big....How do you spell Ludicrous???
Nurses Week is for nurses to celebrate being nurses and revel in all that they manage to do every year..All year long..Saving Lives and making a difference every day..Making decisions that not only saves lives but extends the meaning of life for many others.
Sometimes it is just providing comfort measures in the worst of times for those patients that are nearing the end...
Sometimes it is just making that child with a fever feel a little better by providing the right medicine...and then getting the opportunity to hold and cuddle the fussy child for the mom or dad who is just worn out.
Other times it is wrestling with the four horsemen to save the life of that patient who is lying there listening to the not-so-subtle tunes of the Auto-Pulse...It is always a challenge to see who wins...Again a time to consider quality of life issues, but fighting the good fight goes on..
Nursing can mean so many things, and WE Deserve the recognition this WEEK provides...
We Deserve OUR OWN WEEK....
Happy Nurses Week All..
Thank you Florida Times Union, for noticing, even on the next to last day...Here's Wishing more patient care providers do the same....
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
From the ANA SmartBrief
A few more interesting articles..
Sleep deprivation affects nurses with extended shifts, study suggests
Registered nurse Jeanne Geiger-Brown conducted a study of sleep deprivation among nurses and found that two-thirds of those who work 12-hour shifts slept fewer than six hours, while a third slept fewer than five hours and some slept only two hours. Geiger-Brown said sleep-deprived nurses have difficulty processing information, tend to be irritable, and hold "false beliefs" that they can control and refrain from committing errors. She said naps at work could help nurses adjust to long shifts. Nurse.com (5/6)--Gotta Love the CatNaps...
Researchers: Hot flashes can last for more than 11 years
A study involving almost 400 women found that hot flashes lasted an average of 11.5 years and moderate to severe symptoms lasted an average of almost 10 years -- more than double previous assumptions. Women who experienced hot flashes at an earlier age and before menopause suffered longer, while black and normal-weight women reported having more moderate to severe hot flashes, according to the study in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology. Reuters (5/8)--No Please NO!!!
Florida passes legislation to overhaul Medicaid
The Florida Legislature approved a bill that would transfer as many as 2.9 million Medicaid enrollees to managed-care programs. Supporters said the legislation would save $1.1 billion in medical costs next year. "This bill does what it should do. It treats our friends and neighbors who receive Medicaid with integrity, respect and we let them control their destiny," said Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, who sponsored the bill. Reuters (5/7)--We'll see, Too many out there who abuse the system as it is..
Will this fix that? I doubt it
Sleep deprivation affects nurses with extended shifts, study suggests
Registered nurse Jeanne Geiger-Brown conducted a study of sleep deprivation among nurses and found that two-thirds of those who work 12-hour shifts slept fewer than six hours, while a third slept fewer than five hours and some slept only two hours. Geiger-Brown said sleep-deprived nurses have difficulty processing information, tend to be irritable, and hold "false beliefs" that they can control and refrain from committing errors. She said naps at work could help nurses adjust to long shifts. Nurse.com (5/6)--Gotta Love the CatNaps...
Researchers: Hot flashes can last for more than 11 years
A study involving almost 400 women found that hot flashes lasted an average of 11.5 years and moderate to severe symptoms lasted an average of almost 10 years -- more than double previous assumptions. Women who experienced hot flashes at an earlier age and before menopause suffered longer, while black and normal-weight women reported having more moderate to severe hot flashes, according to the study in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology. Reuters (5/8)--No Please NO!!!
Florida passes legislation to overhaul Medicaid
The Florida Legislature approved a bill that would transfer as many as 2.9 million Medicaid enrollees to managed-care programs. Supporters said the legislation would save $1.1 billion in medical costs next year. "This bill does what it should do. It treats our friends and neighbors who receive Medicaid with integrity, respect and we let them control their destiny," said Sen. Joe Negron, R-Stuart, who sponsored the bill. Reuters (5/7)--We'll see, Too many out there who abuse the system as it is..
Will this fix that? I doubt it
From the ANA SmartBrief
Stroke patients may benefit from virtual reality gaming
A review of 12 studies linked virtual reality training involving game systems such as the Nintendo Wii and PlayStation EyeToy to better odds of recovery for stroke patients. Patients who added gaming to standard stroke rehabilitation were five times more likely to improve their grip and other movements. Researchers, whose study appears in the journal Stroke, suggested that virtual reality games may may help the brain rewire itself faster. Reuters (5/4)
Mood improves 20 minutes after vigorous exercise, study says
A small U.K. study found that people who engaged in a high-intensity workout had improvements in mood 20 minutes after the exercise, a pattern that was not seen after low-intensity exercise or none at all.. "These results have implications for the recommended intensity of exercise required to produce the 'feel good factor' often experienced following exercise," researcher Dr. Nickolas Smith said. U.S. News & World Report/HealthDay News (5/4)
I hope swimming counts, another reason to feel the burn..And maybe gaming in the ER (stroke center), Just a couple of interesting articles...
Friday, May 6, 2011
Happy Nurses Week...ALL
I just read that some one (probably considered a leader) feels nurses week is more to get us back to the bedside and examine what we can do better, and oooooooh, to discuss health related issues. Do we NOT do this everyday? Really?
I have seen Nurses Weeks come and go for more than 30 years...
NURSES Week IS to Celebrate nurses, and all that we do ALL YEAR LONG, not for self-reflection and recriminations. We have 51 additional weeks of the year aimed at just that.
It is for embracing all that we are and can be, and, yes it for parties and gifts from those that should appreciate the love and care we provide daily, and the fact that 24/7 we are the ones at the bedside, with comfort, compassion, intelligence and life-saving decision-making.
Theres is so much to celebrate about nursing that Maybe we NEED TWO WHOLE WEEKS...
:-)
NURSES WEEK should never be synonymous with a HOSPITAL WEEK or any other identity.
We Deserve our own week...
We Earn our own week....
ALL YEAR LONG
I have seen Nurses Weeks come and go for more than 30 years...
Some places are even foolish enough to combine it and make it HOSPITAL WEEK..
Good way to recognize your nurses....
NURSES Week IS to Celebrate nurses, and all that we do ALL YEAR LONG, not for self-reflection and recriminations. We have 51 additional weeks of the year aimed at just that.
It is for embracing all that we are and can be, and, yes it for parties and gifts from those that should appreciate the love and care we provide daily, and the fact that 24/7 we are the ones at the bedside, with comfort, compassion, intelligence and life-saving decision-making.
Theres is so much to celebrate about nursing that Maybe we NEED TWO WHOLE WEEKS...
:-)
NURSES WEEK should never be synonymous with a HOSPITAL WEEK or any other identity.
We Deserve our own week...
We Earn our own week....
ALL YEAR LONG
From the ANA SmartBrief
Nurses Week is a time to honor nurses, address health care issues
Hospital leaders who understand the spirit of Nurses Week, May 6 to 12, use the occasion to recognize nurses by discussing health care-related issues and helping nurses spend more time at the bedside, while those who don't get its meaning think of the week as a moment to give gifts and talk about "angels of caring," Rebecca Hendren writes. This year's celebration should emphasize the positive accomplishments of nurses but at the same time be used to discuss room for improvements, Hendren says. HealthLeaders Media (5/3)
Really a KISS and a SLAP? One week out of the year that Nurses are to get recognition and this so called leader suggests that we should also look at our need to improve?
Again? REALLY? Like we do not hear that enough the rest of the year? Hmmmm, I'll send that personal Thanks later.... ;-)
Hospital leaders who understand the spirit of Nurses Week, May 6 to 12, use the occasion to recognize nurses by discussing health care-related issues and helping nurses spend more time at the bedside, while those who don't get its meaning think of the week as a moment to give gifts and talk about "angels of caring," Rebecca Hendren writes. This year's celebration should emphasize the positive accomplishments of nurses but at the same time be used to discuss room for improvements, Hendren says. HealthLeaders Media (5/3) Really a KISS and a SLAP? One week out of the year that Nurses are to get recognition and this so called leader suggests that we should also look at our need to improve?
Again? REALLY? Like we do not hear that enough the rest of the year? Hmmmm, I'll send that personal Thanks later.... ;-)
From the ANA SmartBrief
ED visits are on the rise, survey finds
A survey by the American College of Emergency Physicians found that 80% of 1,768 emergency doctors reported seeing an increase in emergency department visits and 89% think that the health care legislation will spur more ED visits. Ninety-seven percent of respondents said they treat patients referred by primary care physicians every day and 97% also said they had daily encounters with Medicaid patients who could not find another doctor to accept their health insurance, according to the poll. BeckersHospitalReview.com (4/28)
Again, How do you spell Ludicrous?
The ER is NOT a doctor's office and NOT a clinic (pain Management or otherwise), it should also NOT be the gateway for Family Practice or other Doctors who cannot be bothered to do a proper direct admission on the patients they know they are sending to the ER for admission.
These doctors are simply lazy and unconcerned about their own patients. The direct admission is in place for these patients that the doctor KNOWS needs admission. It should be handled properly. It is a huge disservice to the PATIENT, to send them to the ER to sit around for lab results or other tests that can be accomplished from the floor. It is also a huge waste of ER services, when other patients have to wait to evaluate and treat a patient that the admitting doctor already KNOWS is going to be admitted. There seems to be some mandate that they have to ACTUALLY come in and see this patient (in a certain time limit; Oh NO, say it isn't so) and that seems to be the main reason they misuse the ER. That may need adjustment.
There also need to be doc-in-the-box chronic pain management and pregnancy testing centers on every corner, because way too many people come in just for these non-emergent situations. Also, doctor's offices need more mid-level providers or some other system so that they are not always sending in patients who seldom actually need an ER just because they cannot manage to fit them in. MORE HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS FOLKS...JUST A CLUE.....
A survey by the American College of Emergency Physicians found that 80% of 1,768 emergency doctors reported seeing an increase in emergency department visits and 89% think that the health care legislation will spur more ED visits. Ninety-seven percent of respondents said they treat patients referred by primary care physicians every day and 97% also said they had daily encounters with Medicaid patients who could not find another doctor to accept their health insurance, according to the poll. BeckersHospitalReview.com (4/28)
Again, How do you spell Ludicrous?
The ER is NOT a doctor's office and NOT a clinic (pain Management or otherwise), it should also NOT be the gateway for Family Practice or other Doctors who cannot be bothered to do a proper direct admission on the patients they know they are sending to the ER for admission.
These doctors are simply lazy and unconcerned about their own patients. The direct admission is in place for these patients that the doctor KNOWS needs admission. It should be handled properly. It is a huge disservice to the PATIENT, to send them to the ER to sit around for lab results or other tests that can be accomplished from the floor. It is also a huge waste of ER services, when other patients have to wait to evaluate and treat a patient that the admitting doctor already KNOWS is going to be admitted. There seems to be some mandate that they have to ACTUALLY come in and see this patient (in a certain time limit; Oh NO, say it isn't so) and that seems to be the main reason they misuse the ER. That may need adjustment.
There also need to be doc-in-the-box chronic pain management and pregnancy testing centers on every corner, because way too many people come in just for these non-emergent situations. Also, doctor's offices need more mid-level providers or some other system so that they are not always sending in patients who seldom actually need an ER just because they cannot manage to fit them in. MORE HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS FOLKS...JUST A CLUE.....
Thursday, May 5, 2011
WHO Advocates for Nurses?
Why is there not a position in EVERY Nursing Facility that Is GOAL directed to make nursing workplace situations a primary issue???
That's right a TRUE Advocate for Nursing Staff. What a novel concept.
And I KNOW, you have all heard it before that your directors and administrators swear they care about their nurses (always sounds good), But, DO they live in the day to day issues that matter or does the bottom line always come first, then the bureaucracy, the doctors, than whoever? Finding nurses at the bottom when decisions are made. There may be some directors out there who really try but let them be in that position for more than a minute and they usually become administrative puppets with a goal for their own future in said administration. The ones that do truly care generally leave the position or are forced out.
The bottom line is the wrong place for nurses, it may be right for the hospital, but the absolute WRONG concept for nursing workplace issues and for PATIENT SATISFACTION and SAFETY.
WHAT is Needed is a NURSING ADVOCACY POSITION in every nursing workplace. Someone who honestly puts NURSES FIRST, (That is #1), before the bottom-line, before the doctors and before the administration.
That said, I do not place patients in this list because as any nurse knows they have always been and always will be the 1st patient advocate, that it is intrinsic at all levels of nursing to take care of the patient and advocate for them. Anyone who becomes a nurse should always know that and that it is ingrained in all decisions for the care of that patient. The dollar should not be the main decision in becoming a nurse and never has been for me.
That's right a TRUE Advocate for Nursing Staff. What a novel concept.
And I KNOW, you have all heard it before that your directors and administrators swear they care about their nurses (always sounds good), But, DO they live in the day to day issues that matter or does the bottom line always come first, then the bureaucracy, the doctors, than whoever? Finding nurses at the bottom when decisions are made. There may be some directors out there who really try but let them be in that position for more than a minute and they usually become administrative puppets with a goal for their own future in said administration. The ones that do truly care generally leave the position or are forced out.
The bottom line is the wrong place for nurses, it may be right for the hospital, but the absolute WRONG concept for nursing workplace issues and for PATIENT SATISFACTION and SAFETY.
WHAT is Needed is a NURSING ADVOCACY POSITION in every nursing workplace. Someone who honestly puts NURSES FIRST, (That is #1), before the bottom-line, before the doctors and before the administration.
That said, I do not place patients in this list because as any nurse knows they have always been and always will be the 1st patient advocate, that it is intrinsic at all levels of nursing to take care of the patient and advocate for them. Anyone who becomes a nurse should always know that and that it is ingrained in all decisions for the care of that patient. The dollar should not be the main decision in becoming a nurse and never has been for me.
From MD Linx
Nurses' Job Satisfaction Linked to Patient Satisfaction
American Journal of Nursing, 05/04/2011
Molyneux J et al. – The authors predict that as the need for nurses rises sharply in coming years, job dissatisfaction will only worsen already–low rates of nurse retention and lead to further labor unrest, work stoppages, emotional and intellectual disengagement, and other consequences likely to adversely affect outcomes in patients.
"The study by McHugh and colleagues, which combined data from a survey of nurses, data on the hospitals, and a patient-satisfaction survey, also found that patients are more likely to be dissatisfied with care at workplaces that have higher percentages of dissatisfied nurses, a finding with possible implications for quality of care."
HOW many times have I said this????
When, Oh When will they understand and utilize such understanding to make the workplace better for nurses and safer and happier for patients???
AGAIN...It is not rocket science, and no one in any facility (of the many that I have worked in, in my 30+ years of experience) truly advocates for nurses. This is just more proof.
American Journal of Nursing, 05/04/2011
Molyneux J et al. – The authors predict that as the need for nurses rises sharply in coming years, job dissatisfaction will only worsen already–low rates of nurse retention and lead to further labor unrest, work stoppages, emotional and intellectual disengagement, and other consequences likely to adversely affect outcomes in patients.
"The study by McHugh and colleagues, which combined data from a survey of nurses, data on the hospitals, and a patient-satisfaction survey, also found that patients are more likely to be dissatisfied with care at workplaces that have higher percentages of dissatisfied nurses, a finding with possible implications for quality of care."
HOW many times have I said this????
When, Oh When will they understand and utilize such understanding to make the workplace better for nurses and safer and happier for patients???
AGAIN...It is not rocket science, and no one in any facility (of the many that I have worked in, in my 30+ years of experience) truly advocates for nurses. This is just more proof.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Did U Ever Feel?
That todays entitled society is just laughable?
Please let me continue to spend money on my nails, my cell phone and designer bags and shoes, yet I will come to the ER and expect a pregnancy test, with no real intention of paying my bill. And for good measure I will rant and rave and maybe throw a tantrum when I am not seen fast enough, Maybe tap my foot while standing in the doorway....(The big flashing sign on the road said the wait time was -300 hours, so of course I need to be seen NOW) ;-)
Please let me not take my seizure medicine, while I continue to imbibe on vast amounts of alcohol. Oh, and even though my last seizure was a couple of days ago I will continue to drive my car. And BTW, I am hardly responsible for any of this... ;-)
Please let me commit heinous crimes and have all of my medical bills paid to the point that I will not only swallow anything to get back to the hospital, but I will also insert things into any whole that I can find. Nevertheless, the little time that I am actually in jail, I will manage to become infected with HIV, Hepatitis, and Herpes, and I will develop renal and heart disease and anything else that the government will pay for.
(Really, Do convicts deserve this, Amoxicillin and bandaids, Oh maybe good behavior to be free and contribute to society)But that's not entitled behavior... :-)
Please let me continue to be non-compliant in the many life-limiting illnesses out there, i.e., COPD, CAD, CRF, and all of the various neurological, psychological, cardiac, respiratory, hepatic and renal disorders. And I will just keep on expecting life-saving measures to the point of millions of dollars to keep me well sedated and immobile until time runs out and the four horsemen win....NON-Compliance really was not my fault and I am of course owed the forever healthcare promised....I am sure that it is in the Constitution somewhere...
Anyway...Again I say...
Why not just sign a DNR and continue non-compliant behavior, enjoy the ride and embrace whatever lifestyle you have chosen?
Please let me continue to spend money on my nails, my cell phone and designer bags and shoes, yet I will come to the ER and expect a pregnancy test, with no real intention of paying my bill. And for good measure I will rant and rave and maybe throw a tantrum when I am not seen fast enough, Maybe tap my foot while standing in the doorway....(The big flashing sign on the road said the wait time was -300 hours, so of course I need to be seen NOW) ;-)
Please let me not take my seizure medicine, while I continue to imbibe on vast amounts of alcohol. Oh, and even though my last seizure was a couple of days ago I will continue to drive my car. And BTW, I am hardly responsible for any of this... ;-)
Please let me commit heinous crimes and have all of my medical bills paid to the point that I will not only swallow anything to get back to the hospital, but I will also insert things into any whole that I can find. Nevertheless, the little time that I am actually in jail, I will manage to become infected with HIV, Hepatitis, and Herpes, and I will develop renal and heart disease and anything else that the government will pay for.
(Really, Do convicts deserve this, Amoxicillin and bandaids, Oh maybe good behavior to be free and contribute to society)But that's not entitled behavior... :-)
Please let me continue to be non-compliant in the many life-limiting illnesses out there, i.e., COPD, CAD, CRF, and all of the various neurological, psychological, cardiac, respiratory, hepatic and renal disorders. And I will just keep on expecting life-saving measures to the point of millions of dollars to keep me well sedated and immobile until time runs out and the four horsemen win....NON-Compliance really was not my fault and I am of course owed the forever healthcare promised....I am sure that it is in the Constitution somewhere...
Anyway...Again I say...
Why not just sign a DNR and continue non-compliant behavior, enjoy the ride and embrace whatever lifestyle you have chosen?
From the ANA SmartBrief
Remote monitoring project reduces hospital readmissions
Patients with congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who participated in a pilot remote monitoring program with Michigan-based Residential Home Health had a 3% rate of hospital readmissions compared with 25% of similar patients not in the program. The project focused on patient education, preventing medication errors and daily monitoring of vital signs. Crain's Detroit Business (free registration) (4/24)
WOW...I read one book in my BSN program that foretold of this novel concept. Though in the book it clearly suggests a path for the ARNP to monitor patients via video feed or monitoring them via methods such as Skype. Scotty can you Beam me UP???
But really, how many patients may be more compliant and not require coming back into the hospital for the same diagnosis over and over again.
Now, I understand the aging process and forgetfulness and hard of hearing and all the issues that come with getting older but the alternative...NOT so good...
Here is where the family should play their part and help their aging parent or relative stay safe. those without a decent family will need such innovative techniques...but the rest...
And Really it is a shame that people require this level of monitoring, why not just sign a DNR and continue non-compliant behavior, enjoy the ride and embrace whatever lifestyle you have chosen.
Patients with congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who participated in a pilot remote monitoring program with Michigan-based Residential Home Health had a 3% rate of hospital readmissions compared with 25% of similar patients not in the program. The project focused on patient education, preventing medication errors and daily monitoring of vital signs. Crain's Detroit Business (free registration) (4/24)
WOW...I read one book in my BSN program that foretold of this novel concept. Though in the book it clearly suggests a path for the ARNP to monitor patients via video feed or monitoring them via methods such as Skype. Scotty can you Beam me UP???
But really, how many patients may be more compliant and not require coming back into the hospital for the same diagnosis over and over again.
Now, I understand the aging process and forgetfulness and hard of hearing and all the issues that come with getting older but the alternative...NOT so good...
Here is where the family should play their part and help their aging parent or relative stay safe. those without a decent family will need such innovative techniques...but the rest...
And Really it is a shame that people require this level of monitoring, why not just sign a DNR and continue non-compliant behavior, enjoy the ride and embrace whatever lifestyle you have chosen.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
From the ANA SmartBrief
ANA calls for tougher federal regulations on chemicals
The ANA and other health groups called on the federal government to revise current standards and implement stricter rules on the regulation of chemicals. The ANA said nurses and other providers are more likely to be exposed to such toxic chemicals, which pose a variety of health risks. "ANA believes the quality of the environment is inexorably linked to the quality of human health," said Karen Daley, the group's president. Nurse.com (4/25), USA TODAY (4/24)
WOW, And who said nursing was a dangerous job?
And I thought it was the baby powder.
One facility in my city actually is offering ice cream for their staff too not only pick-up any trash they see, but to clean scuff marks off the floor. But, it seems that an administrator needs to be combing or lurking in the hallways to view the new extra housekeeping employees....LOL :-)
But how about all of those chemicals and other spills? Maybe the nursing staff can also carry around a mop...And one of the first warnings you get from security is not to pick up suspicious items...DO you really know who left that trash there or where it was last OR what it was used for? Really?
Again, supreme consideration for the safety of their staff.....How do you spell Ludicrous???
The ANA and other health groups called on the federal government to revise current standards and implement stricter rules on the regulation of chemicals. The ANA said nurses and other providers are more likely to be exposed to such toxic chemicals, which pose a variety of health risks. "ANA believes the quality of the environment is inexorably linked to the quality of human health," said Karen Daley, the group's president. Nurse.com (4/25), USA TODAY (4/24)
WOW, And who said nursing was a dangerous job?
And I thought it was the baby powder.
One facility in my city actually is offering ice cream for their staff too not only pick-up any trash they see, but to clean scuff marks off the floor. But, it seems that an administrator needs to be combing or lurking in the hallways to view the new extra housekeeping employees....LOL :-)
But how about all of those chemicals and other spills? Maybe the nursing staff can also carry around a mop...And one of the first warnings you get from security is not to pick up suspicious items...DO you really know who left that trash there or where it was last OR what it was used for? Really?
Again, supreme consideration for the safety of their staff.....How do you spell Ludicrous???
From the ANA SmartBrief
Private practices have higher RN retention rates, survey finds
A CareerBuilder analysis found that registered nurses worked an average of 3.3 years at physician offices before changing jobs, while they only averaged 3.1 years at general hospitals and 1.8 years at long-term care facilities. The survey found 49% of nurses said staffing levels and advancement opportunities are factors for retention, 40% cited work overload and 35% mentioned salary. American Medical News (free content) (4/19)
Here's just another article noting the effects of staffing levels...Wonder of wonders, when will the powers that be, ever get that staffing needs to meet the needs not only of patients and there ever increasing acuity, but the needs of the staff providing care?????
It truly is not rocket science and the business that is healthcare these days really needs to put nurses and their needs higher on the ladder.
A CareerBuilder analysis found that registered nurses worked an average of 3.3 years at physician offices before changing jobs, while they only averaged 3.1 years at general hospitals and 1.8 years at long-term care facilities. The survey found 49% of nurses said staffing levels and advancement opportunities are factors for retention, 40% cited work overload and 35% mentioned salary. American Medical News (free content) (4/19)
Here's just another article noting the effects of staffing levels...Wonder of wonders, when will the powers that be, ever get that staffing needs to meet the needs not only of patients and there ever increasing acuity, but the needs of the staff providing care?????
It truly is not rocket science and the business that is healthcare these days really needs to put nurses and their needs higher on the ladder.
From the ANA SmartBrief
Experts address complexity of nursing care
Nursing experts at a recent meeting discussed the many work complexities that nurses face -- which can be exacerbated by communication failures, poor facility design and complicated policies -- and said the necessary cognitive task management can lead to cognitive overload. Nurse executives should adopt initiatives to regulate distractions and interruptions and create visual warnings, among other ideas, to help nurses handle cognitive tasks and minimize errors, experts said. HealthLeaders Media (4/19)
What would accomplish this? New layouts with less congestion, re-designing all hospital floors? This is a curious suggestion for today's economy, these sound like costly changes.
After years of encouraging increasing patient and family interaction, how do initiate new limits? Because honestly it is families and patients that are more often one of the greatest distractions.
Oh and let's not forget the physicians..How many times have you been chased down by a doctor into one patient's room to discuss another patient? Or have them push you to complete a task that is often not an emergency while you may be shoulder deep in a real emergency.
These are some of the biggest causes of medication errors. How does this get changed especially with less experienced and newer nurses, who often fluster easier?
Where oh where is the ultimate nursing bubble?
Nursing experts at a recent meeting discussed the many work complexities that nurses face -- which can be exacerbated by communication failures, poor facility design and complicated policies -- and said the necessary cognitive task management can lead to cognitive overload. Nurse executives should adopt initiatives to regulate distractions and interruptions and create visual warnings, among other ideas, to help nurses handle cognitive tasks and minimize errors, experts said. HealthLeaders Media (4/19) What would accomplish this? New layouts with less congestion, re-designing all hospital floors? This is a curious suggestion for today's economy, these sound like costly changes.
After years of encouraging increasing patient and family interaction, how do initiate new limits? Because honestly it is families and patients that are more often one of the greatest distractions.
Oh and let's not forget the physicians..How many times have you been chased down by a doctor into one patient's room to discuss another patient? Or have them push you to complete a task that is often not an emergency while you may be shoulder deep in a real emergency.
These are some of the biggest causes of medication errors. How does this get changed especially with less experienced and newer nurses, who often fluster easier?
Where oh where is the ultimate nursing bubble?
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